In what ways do the various gatherings at the dining room table represent and/or manifest the novel's thematic commentary on the nature/deterioration of British society?

In what ways can the novel's other characters be seen as reflecting the novel's central thematic preoccupation with the deterioration of society? Your considerations should touch on, but not be limited to, Molly, James, Dorothy, Paul, John, and Ben's gang.

What is your experience of "difference" within your peer group? How are people perceived as "different" treated - are their differences respected? Or ridiculed? How do you feel about that treatment?

What is your experience of feeling / being "different"? Do you, like Harriet and David, celebrate that difference? Are you, like Ben, humiliated as the result of being perceived and treated as "different"?

Is there such a thing as "normal"? Or are human beings simply too unique...